Alonso to Manchester City: Enzo is a Chelsea player

The Spanish coach settles the future of his midfield star

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Argentina's Enzo Fernandez has shown "very good behaviour" since returning to the squad, amid ongoing speculation surrounding the midfielder's future during the summer transfer window.

Fernandez is focused with Chelsea and preparing for the team's Premier League opener against Fulham next Monday, Alonso said, and the club is happy with what the player is offering as the new season approaches.

Chelsea had struck an agreement at the end of last May with Fernandez's agent, Javier Pastore, allowing the player to leave for 120 million pounds. The deadline for any official offer was set at 14 August.

That deadline passed with no offer arriving. Chelsea duly made clear to the player's camp that Fernandez is not for sale in the current window.

Alonso: Enzo is a Chelsea player

At his press conference today, Thursday, Alonso faced the question of whether Fernandez would still be at Stamford Bridge when the market closes on 1 September.

The Spanish manager replied: "Enzo is a Chelsea player. We are happy with him, and he is preparing for Monday's match."

According to the British Broadcasting Corporation "BBC", Alonso added that the 25-year-old "integrated very well" since returning to the group after the World Cup, and noted that he "is training very well".

He continued: "I see him with very good behaviour, and that is what we want."

Manchester City awaiting Fernandez's situation

Alonso's assurances aside, Fernandez's future remains a live subject, with Manchester City keen to land the Argentine midfielder.

City want to strengthen their midfield after Rodri's move to Barcelona and Bernardo Silva's departure on the expiry of his contract. The club believes Chelsea remains open to getting the deal done.

They are also in advanced negotiations over an 85 million pound deal for Moroccan midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi.

Fernandez's relationship with Chelsea fans under the microscope

The picture is muddied further by Fernandez's relationship with Chelsea fans. Jeers greeted him when he came on as a substitute during the 3-1 friendly win over Real Sociedad last Saturday, while other supporters applauded and cheered.

Every touch he took drew the same split response from the stands.

Chelsea, by contrast, showed their commitment to Fernandez by handing him the captain's armband after he replaced Reece James in that same match.

Earlier in the summer, Fernandez had tried to force a move to Real Madrid. His efforts came to nothing, and the Spanish club later denied any interest in the player.

Spanish reports suggest Chelsea remains quietly open to selling Fernandez, and that the club has enlisted agent Jorge Mendes, who also represents winger Pedro Neto, to help resolve the player's future.

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